Honda CB 600 F Hornet 2010 — Specifications

It arrives with a new skin, but the same soul. This 2010 Honda CB 600 F Hornet, you could almost believe it hasn't moved since its 2007 restyling. But look closely. The cast aluminum frame, nicknamed MonoBackbone, is now painted black, giving it a more serious look. The dashboard has been retouched with Japanese discretion. And beneath this apparent continuity, the real change is mechanical, where it matters to a rider. The 41 mm inverted fork, already respectable, gains compression adjustment. The monoshock under the seat adds rebound to its preload. It's not a revolution, but it's precisely this kind of adjustment that transforms a good motorcycle into a more personal machine, capable of adapting to your style, especially if you have a sporty inclination.

The heart remains that famous inline four-cylinder engine, a 599 cc block directly from the 2007 CBR 600 RR. With 102 horsepower delivered at 12,000 rpm, and a torque of 62.3 Nm at 10,500, it retains that signature sound and liveliness that made the Hornet a success. This engine is not the most brutal in the segment, compared to some European competitors, but it has reliability and progressiveness that make it an ideal companion, especially for daily or touring use. With a wet weight of 198 kg and a seat height of 800 mm, it remains accessible without being soft. The 19-liter tank and this reasonable ergonomics give it real versatility.

On the used market, where models like the Honda CB 600 F Hornet 2009 or 2012 are common, this 2010 version positions itself as a point of balance. It offers the latest chassis developments before the design changes more radically. For a budget of around €6500 originally (nearly €7600 with ABS, an option to consider), it offered a complete package. Compared to a Yamaha FZ6 of the same era, often more oriented towards comfort, the Hornet retained a more engaged temperament, more "wasp" as its name suggests. Its brakes, with two 296 mm discs at the front, and its chain transmission on a six-speed gearbox, were solid elements for road sportiness.

So, what is the audience for this machine? It's not the absolute beginner's motorcycle, but it's perfect for someone who has a bit of experience and is looking for a lively four-cylinder, without the extremes of a pure sportbike. The touring rider who wants to be able to ride on Sunday without suffering on Monday morning, the moderate track rider who appreciates suspension settings to refine his feel. Opinions on the 2010 Honda CB 600 F Hornet often converge on this point: it's a motorcycle without a major flaw, but also without madness. It is reasonably fast, with a top speed announced at 230 km/h, reasonably agile, and reasonably comfortable. Its technical specifications are those of an almost calculated balance.

Ultimately, this 2010 Hornet is the last incarnation of a formula that has dominated the mid-size roadster market for years. It doesn't seek to be the most radical, but the most consistent. For those looking for a reliable used motorcycle, a charismatic engine without being excessive, and a chassis that has benefited from small, valuable adjustments, this vintage remains a very safe choice. It was riding on its success, and rightly so.